The Ford Mustang Dark Horse will soon be offered in the Chinese market, marking the return of the V8-powered pony car in the region after a break due to emission regulations.
The previous-generation Mustang was launched in China back in 2015, with both the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and the 5.0-liter V8 powertrain options. However, the V8 was dropped from the local lineup in 2020, amidst stricter emission regulations. This changes with the introduction of the seventh-gen model, which will be offered in the flagship Dark Horse trim.
The model is already listed on Ford’s Chinese website, with a “subscribe now” button prompting interested parties to stay tuned.
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According to DongChedi, the Chinese-spec Dark Horse could be visually distinguished from its US-spec sibling by mild styling updates. Those are rumored to include a redesigned front apron and slightly different wheel arches to comply with Chinese regulations, which don’t allow the wheels to extend beyond the outer edge of the fender. It remains to be seen if the Mustang will inherit Chinese badging as with the locally-produced Bronco, although the Dark Horse emblem should likely retain its position on the tailgate and front fenders.
A few changes are also expected inside the cabin, most likely focused on the infotainment that is said to inherit local software in line with the rest of the lineup. Furthermore, it is rumored that the Chinese Dark Horse will come fitted with regular seats instead of the sportier Recaros.
Under the hood, you’ll find the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote engine, which makes 500 hp (373 KW / 507 PS) and 418 lb-ft (567 Nm) of torque in the US-spec model. The V8 will be reportedly mated exclusively to a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but not a 6-speed manual option that is available in North America.
Local media report that the first deliveries of the Chinese-spec Ford Mustang Dark Horse are expected by mid-2024. Pricing has yet to be announced.
